BLAENAU GWENT CONSIDERS PLAN TO SCRAP OFFICIALS' CARS

Bleanau Gwent CBC could save up to£300,000 by scrapping a scheme that provides 50 of its top officers with new car...

Bleanau Gwent CBC could save up to£300,000 by scrapping a scheme that provides 50 of its top officers with new cars, reports The Western Mail (p2).

Under the move, officers would be offered loans to buy cars instead of having them provided by the council.

John Hopkins, the council leader, said the authority was trying to find£1.1m of savings without cutting services or shedding jobs. 'This is definitely associated with cost-cutting measures and for no other reason whatsoever. We have to take measures that are unpleasant and are bordering on the last resort.'

If the idea is approved by the council this week there will be talks with trade union leaders.

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